compliment

Universal Words noun, verb noun 1 [C] a remark that expresses praise or admiration of sb: to pay sb a compliment (= to praise them for sth) * 'You understand the problem because you're so much older.' 'I'll take that as a compliment!' * It's a great compliment to be asked to do the job. * to return the compliment (= to treat sb in the same way as they have treated you) 2 (compliments) [pl.] (formal) greetings, especially when used to express praise and admiration: My compliments to the chef! * (BrE) Compliments of the season! (= for Christmas or the New Year) * Please accept these flowers with the compliments of (= as a gift from) the manager. IDIOMS see BACKHANDED verb [VN] ~ sb (on sth) to tell sb that you like or admire sth they have done, their appearance, etc: She complimented him on his excellent German. ______________________________ WHICHWORD? compliment / complement These words have similar spellings but completely different meanings. If you compliment someone, you say something very nice to them: She complimented me on my English. If one thing complements another, the two things work or look better because they are together: The different flavours complement each other perfectly. The adjectives are also often confused. Complimentary: She made some very complimentary remarks about my English. It can also mean 'free': There was a complimentary basket of fruit in our room. Complementary: The team members have different but complementary skills. ______________________________